I’ve been on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for years because my
virus makes me too tired for regular work. But I think I could handle a
short gig for some holiday cash. Would that endanger my disability
benefits?
—Work Weary
Dear Weary, A
little pocket change is no problem. You can bring in $85 a month
without a dent in benefits. Above that, Social Security
Administration (SSA) deducts $.50 for every dollar you make up to an
income limit (which differs by state) above which you cannot qualify
for SSI. Say your SSI benefits are $666 each month, and you earn
$800 one month from a temp job. Your SSI check for that month would be
reduced to $308.50. ($800 is $715 above the $85 “no-deduction” ceiling;
$.50 for each of those dollars is $357.50. This amount, deducted from
your usual $666 check, leaves you $308.50.) But you keep Medicaid even
when SSI checks stop, as long as you still meet other disability and
resource requirements and you earn less than your state’s threshold
amount—ranging from about $19,000 to $45,000. Other work-incentive
rules, including the deduction of work expenses related to physical
impairments (e.g., special transportation needs), may help you stay
within income limits and keep your Medicaid and SSI. The rules are
different for Social Security Disability (SSDI): You either
qualify for a full-check or you get nothing. SSDI work-incentive rules
allow a nine-month trial work period (over 60 months) in which you can
earn as much as you want without affecting your check. You then have
another 36 months during which you may get SSDI depending on your
monthly income. If SSA discovers an overpayment, you may have to
pay it back. The rules are complicated, so get qualified legal
advice about how earnings could affect your benefits before clocking
in.
Catherine Hanssens, JD, Founded the Center for HIV Law and Policy. Her column offers general guidance and shouldn't substitute for a lawyer's council.
